Replacing ASAT Classic MFD pickups with G&L Alnico "Tele"

[codycuster]

I have been looking for a used G&L ASAT Classic Alnico in Butterscotch with Maple fretboard. No luck. Seems that the Alnico model ASAT is not that popular. Anyway, I did find a Tribute ASAT Classic in the color and with the fretboard that I want at Guitar Center in Indiana. Listed as in "Good" condition $350 with gig bag. I have 7 other USA G&Ls but no Tributes - this will be the first.

Anyway, my intent is to replace the MFD pickups with Alnico 5 "Tele" type pickups from the G&L Store and Wah-La, I have the G&L ASAT Classic Alnico model that I have been hunting for over a year. My question is; are there any other mods required for this project or can I get away with a simple pickup swap???

Cody

[Craig]

I have been looking for a used G&L ASAT Classic Alnico in Butterscotch with Maple fretboard. No luck. Seems that the Alnico model ASAT is not that popular. Anyway, I did find a Tribute ASAT Classic in the color and with the fretboard that I want at Guitar Center in Indiana. Listed as in "Good" condition $350 with gig bag. I have 7 other USA G&Ls but no Tributes - this will be the first.

Anyway, my intent is to replace the MFD pickups with Alnico 5 "Tele" type pickups from the G&L Store and Wah-La, I have the G&L ASAT Classic Alnico model that I have been hunting for over a year. My question is; are there any other mods required for this project or can I get away with a simple pickup swap???

Cody

The wiring for both the ASAT Classic and the ASAT Classic Alnico are the same. See: ASAT Classic/Tribute ASAT Classic Picture Diagram.
Note, that the Tribute ASAT Classic neck pickup route is located closer to the neck, than on the USA models.
See: Difference in pickup position of the ASAT Classic vs Tribute.

Hope this helps.

[codycuster]

Thanks for the info Craig.

I followed the link that speaks to the difference in relative position of the neck pickup. I didn't quite follow the discussion re: playing harmonics and the loss of volume due to the improper positioning of the neck pickup. I trust that at my level of playing, that anomaly won't ever give me a problem.

Cody

[codycuster]

Picked up the used Tribute ASAT Classic at the local Guitar Center in Colorado Springs. The store was really crowded but I quickly unpacked the box for a general inspection. I almost didn't accept delivery. Something just bothered me about this axe. Went ahead and took it home and started playing with it. Goes back tomorrow morning

Upon closer inspection I found that the neck was warped from the pocket out to the head. Someone had installed a screwy nut that stood extra tall on the base side then tapered to a more standard height on the treble side. I assume that this was done to compensate for the warped neck but there was still significant string buzz on the low E, A and D.

The overall finish was acceptable but mechanically, I don't want to mess with this thing. I still think my idea of swapping out the pickups on a tribute to get what I want (affordable ASAT Classic ALNICO) is still a good one if I can find an acceptable Tribute to start with. So, I'm going to try one more time. However, I may be spoiled by the fit and finish of my G&L USA instruments.

Cody